“God demands first the heart then the work”
Vincent was born in Pouy on 24th April 1581. His parents Bertrande de Moras and Jean de Paul were a hardworking peasant family. Being an intelligent boy, his father sent him to the nearest Franciscan school. His father then encouraged him to priesthood. He studied theology at the University of Toulouse. He was ordained on the 23rd September 1600 at the age of 19.
In 1608 Vincent was sent to Paris where he worked under the influence of Fr. Pierre de Berulle, where he began his spiritual journey. In 1612 he was made pastor of a poor rural parish, that moved his heart towards the needy. Before a year went by he was called back to Paris to become chaplain to the rich Gondi family and tutor to their children.
Vincent felt the poor were neglected and needed help. Once there was an entire destitute family in the parish. He preached on their need and the parishioners were moved and brought food for that family. He influenced the rich to help the poor in their needs.
To carry forward his work he felt the need of help and so he called a group of interested women and established a group which became the first ‘Confraternity of Charity’ with set rules.
In 1618 Vincent was inspired by Francis de Sales with the power of humility and gentleness.
Vincent then accepted the call of mission work and in 1625 founded the ‘Congregation of the Mission’. Members were secular priests who made simple vows of poverty, chastity and obedience. In 1625 he started the first seminary of theological studies for priestly ordination. Vincent assumed direction of a Hotel- Dieu, a large hospital in Paris and needed help to move on this mission. Vincent encountered with a widow Louise de Marillac, a woman with leadership potential and passion for the poor. The ladies of charity, a group of noble women under the leadership of Louise de Marillac and directed by Vincent worked tirelessly. Soon they came to be known as ‘Daughters of Charity’.
In 1639 Lorraine was devastated with war. Vincent collected money and other aid and sent members of his congregation to distribute and organize relief. He sent the daughters of charity to minister victims and refugees. The ministry continued during the 30 years of war.
In 1643 Vincent served the Queens council of Ecclesiastical Affairs. Here he influenced the Government of France to help the poor and needy. Vincent continued his work until his death on 27th September 1660.
Two centuries later a young lawyer was challenged by his classmates to prove his ‘faith in action’ as he would propagate Christianity. It is on April 23rd 1833 in Paris that Bl Ozanam founded the society of Vincent de Paul. Today the society has spread all over the world in almost every parish reaching out to the needy.
‘The harvest is rich but the labourers are few’. My humble request to you is to have a heart to reach out to the poor. You can best do it by joining the society of St. Vincent de Paul in your parish.
Asha Vas